This lamp (shade) is indeed glass, not plastic as some of the reviewers claim. Although I understand how they can mistake this type of glass for a thick plastic, it IS glass. I adore the lamp. Putting it together was easy, but threading the wire through properly was a little tricky. The Styrofoam that the lamp came packed in was all over the place--it disintegrates into tiny pieces and balls when it crumbles...but nothing a vacuum was unable to fix. The lamp is stunning, lit or unlit. The top circular design is a pinky-plum color, and the lower circular design is an amber color. When the lamp is lit, a design appears on the interior of the white part of the glass, and shows through...like undulating shapes. Quite beautiful and unexpected. Both the base of the lamp, and the stem are beautifully designed. I love this lamp, and I am so happy I chose it...and the price was VERY good. It looks awesome in my room.